Man killed in Burlington incident

BURLINGTON — On March 21, the Burlington Police Department contacted the Vermont State Police to request an investigation into an officer involved shooting that had occurred inside an apartment located at 101 College St. in Burlington.

The individual injured as a result of this shooting, identified as Ralph “Phil” Grenon, 76, was transported by ambulance to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington where he subsequently died.

Detectives with the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Major Crime Unit responded to initiate an investigation. The VSP Crime Scene Search Team was activated to process the shooting scene and collect evidence.

Preliminary investigation revealed that shortly after 5 p.m., Burlington Police responded to 101 College St., apartment 209 at the request of a crisis worker with the Street Outreach Team; to check on the welfare of Mr. Grenon.

While enroute, the Burlington Police received a call from the building manager at this address regarding complaints from tenants, that Grenon was displaying threatening behavior.

Burlington Police Officers attempted to make contact with Grenon who refused to open the door to his apartment. When officers opened the door, Grenon was standing inside holding two knives, one in each hand.

Grenon ignored repeated commands from officers to drop the knives.

Officers deployed a Taser at Grenon which was not effective. Grenon then shut the door and officers backed away. Additional officers responded to assist.

Over the next few hours officers made repeated attempts to establish communication with Grenon without success.

After having received no response from inside the apartment officers drilled a hole above the door and inserted a camera in an attempt to try and see Grenon, with no success.

The decision was made to enter the apartment in order to check on his welfare. Officers entered the apartment utilizing tactical shields and while announcing their presence.

Officers located Grenon hiding in the shower of his bathroom with the curtain drawn.

Grenon would not respond to verbal attempts to come out and speak with officers. When officers pulled back the shower curtain slightly, Grenon was seen holding at least one knife in his hand.

Officers backed away and continued verbal commands in an attempt to get Grenon to come out.

Officers deployed “pepper balls” inside the bathroom, backed away and continued verbal commands with no success. After a period of time, officers approached the bathroom again, opened the shower curtain at which time Grenon was seen holding two large knives, one in each hand.

Grenon was seen making a thrusting motion with one of the knives towards the officers.

Officers deployed a Taser at Grenon while he was standing in the shower.

Despite the deployment of the Taser, Grenon then stepped out of the shower and advanced toward the officers through the doorway while still holding both knives. As officers were backing away further into the adjoining bedroom, one of the officers discharged multiple rounds from his firearm, striking Grenon.

Officers immediately removed the knives and began rendering medical assistance.

Burlington Fire personnel were staged at the scene and transported Grenon to the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Grenon was pronounced dead at 10:02 p.m.

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Investigation will include interviews of all officers on scene to include any other witnesses identified.

The Burlington Police have turned over body camera video footage from officers on scene, to detectives. Detectives are working closely with the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The deceased has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy scheduled for later today. Once the investigation is complete there will be an independent review conducted by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office as is customary for all officer involved shootings.

The identity of the Burlington Police Officer involved in the shooting is not being released at this time. This remains an active investigation, no other information is available.